The Council Defends Sunscreens

After the Environmental Working Group questioned the efficacy of sunscreens, the Personal Care Product Council went on the offensive, defending the product formulas. John Bailey, chief scientist for The Council noted that for more than 30 years, consumers have benefited from the use of sunscreen products to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun, including sun burn, premature skin aging, and certain types of skin cancer.

“The safety and efficacy of sunscreen products have been thoroughly studied and tested by scientists and regulatory bodies throughout the world, and there is an extensive body of credible scientific research that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of sunscreens,” noted Dr. Bailey.

However, according to a product review by EWG, 3 out of 5 sunscreens offer inadequate protection from the sun or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns.

Dr. Bailey pointed out that the American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control, the FDA, physicians and other health professionals and organizations, including The Council, urge consumers to minimize their sun exposure as part of their personal safe sun strategy.This includes all of the following: limiting outdoor activities between 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. when exposure to UVA/UVB rays is the highest, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreens.

“Nevertheless, each year at the start of summer vacation season, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington-based activist group, issues an unscientific and unsubstantiated report questioning the safety of sunscreens and sunscreen ingredients,” said Dr. Bailey. “Like its 2007 and 2008 predecessors, the 2009 report alleges that many sunscreens do not adequately protect skin from sun damage and/or contain dangerous chemicals.”

More info: www.personalcarecouncil.org